Good news from Iraq for once

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s national security adviser says his country will not accept any deal with the United States unless the agreement sets specific dates for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.

The comments by Mouwaffak al-Rubaie come a day after Iraq’s prime minister first said publicly that he expects the pending troop deal with the United States to have some type of timetable for withdrawal.

President Bush has said he opposes a timetable.

Al-Rubaie told reporters Tuesday the country “will not accept any memorandum of understanding that doesn’t have specific dates to withdraw foreign forces.”